Kimilili: A Comprehensive Profile of a Growing Town and Constituency in Bungoma County, Kenya.

Kimilili town and its surrounding constituency represent a rapidly developing area in Kenya’s western region, characterized by agricultural productivity, increasing urbanization, and significant infrastructure improvements. This report explores the geographical, demographic, economic, and developmental aspects of the area, providing insights into real estate markets and recent infrastructure projects.

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Geography and Administrative Structure.

Kimilili Constituency is one of the 290 elective constituencies in Kenya, situated in Bungoma County and often referred to as Kimilili Sub County. The constituency covers an area of 143.6 square kilometers, with 118.9 square kilometers being arable land primarily under subsistence agriculture and small portions dedicated to cash crops like tea and sugarcane. It is bordered by Mt. Elgon, Tongaren, Webuye East, Webuye West, and Kabuchai constituencies.

Administratively, the constituency is divided into four county wards: Kibingei, Kimilili, Maeni, and Kamukuywa. At a more granular level, it comprises two divisions: Kamukuywa (covering Kamusinde, Sikhendu, Makhonge, and Chesamisi locations) and Kimilili (covering Kibingei, Chebukwabi, Kimilili Township, and Kimilili Rural locations with sixteen sub-locations). The constituency is currently represented in parliament by Hon. Didmus Wekesa Barasa who was elected under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in the 2022 elections.

Kimilili town itself occupies 3.675 square kilometers and functions as the constituency’s commercial hub and administrative center. The town has experienced significant growth and is increasingly becoming an important urban center in Bungoma County.

Demographics and Social Characteristics.

According to the 2019 census, Kimilili town has a population of 56,050, though other sources indicate an urban population of 94,927 when including surrounding areas. The population density is remarkably high at 16,149 people per square kilometer as of 2015. The demographic makeup includes 28,331 males (47.7%) and 31,016 females (52.3%).

The population growth has been striking, with a 905.5% increase from 1975 to 2015 and a 25.6% increase from 2000 to 2015. The median age is notably young at 15.3 years (14.7 years for males and 15.8 years for females), indicating a population with high potential for economic productivity but also considerable dependency needs.

Ethnically, the area is primarily occupied by the Bukusu community (a Luhya sub-tribe) with a small Teso minority. This composition contributes to the area’s cultural identity and social dynamics. The population projection based on the 2009 census estimated 143,153 people in the constituency, with 47% under 15 years of age, reflecting a high dependency ratio.

The area boasts several educational institutions, including some of Kenya’s top-performing schools such as Friends School Kamusinga, which is known for consistent academic and sports excellence. Other notable schools include Moi Girls High School Kamusinga, Kimilili Boys High School, Maeni Girls Secondary School, and St. Theresa’s Girls Secondary School. Additionally, Kimilili hosts the Western Provincial Police Training Center, which adds to its institutional significance.

Economic Profile.

Kimilili’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with the surrounding region mainly consisting of farmland producing coffee, maize, beans, sunflower seeds, sugarcane, and bananas as the main cash crops. This agricultural activity supplies both local markets and provides exports to other regions.

The town center has evolved into a vibrant trading hub with diverse economic activities including retail grocery stores, supermarkets, schools, and computer colleges. Several non-governmental organizations operate in Kimilili, with ICFEM and Omwabini being the most prominent. These organizations contribute to the local economy through employment and implementation of development projects.

The economic significance of Kimilili has increased over time, partly due to its role as an administrative center. Historically, it housed government workers holding office positions in the former Mt Elgon District, which was merged into Bungoma County in 2010. This administrative heritage has contributed to its development as a service center.

Real Estate Market.

Houses and Apartments for Sale and Rent in Kimilili-House Prices.

The real estate market in Kimilili presents varied pricing depending on property specifications and location. According to Kenya Property Centre’s market trends, the average price for houses in Kimilili from August 2020 to January 2021 was Ksh. 12 million, though this figure was based on limited data from a single property listing.

More specific examples provide better insight into the market’s actual state:

A 2-bedroom house in the heart of Kimilili town, approximately 100 meters from Kimilili market, was listed for Ksh. 3 million (negotiable). This property measures 350 square feet on a 5,000 square feet plot and comes with connections to electricity and water supplied by NzoiaWasco.
A larger 10-bedroom house in Lugulu, Kimilili was listed for USD $10,000 (approximately Ksh. 1.3 million at current exchange rates).

These examples suggest significant price variability based on size, location, and amenities, with properties closer to the town center commanding higher prices.

Vacant Land / Plots for Sale in Kimilili-Land Prices.

Land in Kimilili is considered affordable compared to more urbanized areas in Kenya, allowing buyers to acquire larger pieces of land for their budget. This affordability, combined with the area’s development potential, makes it an attractive investment opportunity as land values are expected to appreciate with ongoing infrastructure improvements.

A specific example from the market shows a plot located near BBC with a three-roomed house priced at Ksh. 1.3 million. The plot measures 70×175 feet and comes with water and electricity connections already installed, saving buyers from additional utility installation costs.

The relative affordability of land in Kimilili presents opportunities for both residential development and commercial investment, particularly as the town continues to grow and infrastructure improves.

Recent Infrastructure Development.

Kimilili has experienced substantial infrastructure development in recent years, significantly improving living conditions and economic opportunities. These developments span roads, public facilities, and utility services.

Road Network Improvements.

Several road projects have transformed connectivity within Kimilili:

DC to Kimilili Road (1.9 km): Upgraded to bitumen standards, improving road network and opening up back streets.
Riziki to Slaughter House Road (2.0 km): Upgraded to bitumen standards.
Thursday Market to KIE to Chetambe Road (1 km): Upgraded to bitumen standards.
Mkulima to Nasusi Road (Phase I, 0.6 km): Upgraded to bitumen standards.

These road improvements have led to reduced motor vehicle maintenance costs, decreased travel time, and lower transportation costs. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is continuing this development by undertaking the construction of 28 kilometers of urban roads in Bungoma County, which includes Kimilili town. An additional 30 kilometers of roads are planned for the 2024/25 financial year.

Public Facilities and Spaces.

Significant improvements have been made to public facilities:

Rehabilitation and construction of Thursday Market, Monday Market, and Buspark, improving the working environment for traders.
Installation of highmast lights at Nasusi and Chebukwabi Market, enhancing safety for citizens.
Urban greening and beautification within Kimilili town.
Installation of waste collection bins, improving solid waste management.

These projects have enhanced the aesthetics of the town while providing better facilities for commercial activities and improving public safety.

Water Supply System.

The Kimilili water supply system has undergone extensive rehabilitation and expansion:

The old water system, constructed in 1973 with a capacity of 2,782 m³/day, was insufficient for the growing population.
The new water supply expansion project increased production capacity from 2,800 m³/day to 5,000 m³/day.
The distribution network was extended to 23 km within the municipality area.
Supply lines to Bituyu, Misikhu, and Lugulu were rehabilitated.
The system incorporated metering and pressure monitoring to minimize distribution losses.
Water kiosks were established in low-income areas to enhance service provision.

This project was designed to serve both urban and rural areas of Kimilili, which had an estimated population of 19,143 inhabitants at the time of implementation but was expected to grow to approximately 27,854 by 2025.

Upcoming Commercial Developments.

According to the Kimilili Municipality Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027), future developments will focus on:

Urban Infrastructure Development and Management.
Urban Environment and Human Services.
Urban Economy.
Urban Cultural, Sports, and Talents development and Management.

These plans aim to continue Kimilili’s transformation and modernization, raising living standards, addressing inequality, and contributing to Bungoma County’s economic growth.

Conclusion.

Kimilili represents a rapidly developing area within Bungoma County, characterized by significant population growth, agricultural productivity, and increasing urbanization. The real estate market offers relatively affordable options compared to other urban centers in Kenya, with prices varying based on property size, location, and amenities.

Recent infrastructure developments, particularly in road networks, public facilities, and water supply systems, have substantially improved living conditions and economic opportunities. These improvements, coupled with planned future developments, suggest that Kimilili will continue to grow as an important urban center in western Kenya.

For investors, the area presents opportunities in both residential and commercial real estate, with land values likely to appreciate as infrastructure continues to improve. For residents, the enhanced infrastructure and public facilities contribute to better living standards and increased economic possibilities. As Kimilili continues its development trajectory, it stands to strengthen its position as a significant urban center in Bungoma County and western Kenya more broadly.

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